Fire sparks book

By Tania Martin
FOR many Cockatoo residents, last year’s devastating Black Saturday fires brought back memories they would rather forget.
They remembered the horror and trauma of similar fires that ripped through the town 27 years earlier – Ash Wednesday.
On 16 February 1983, more than 100 bushfires rages across Victoria and South Australia, burning 210,000 hectares.
In Cockatoo six people died and 307 buildings and homes were destroyed.
People who never had the chance to tell their story can now do just that.
Cockatoo Community House is calling for all Ash Wednesday survivors from Cockatoo, the Dandenongs and Upper Beaconsfield areas to share their stories as part of a writing group.
Counselling will also be available for people who never got the chance to deal with the horror of the fires.
The group to start next month will be meet on a weekly basis with creative writer, Isha Molley.
People interested in joining don’t need to have previous writing experience, they can just come along and share their stories.
The community house has also just received a $6800 cash boost to publish a book of personal experiences from Ash Wednesday written by those who experienced the fires first-hand.
The house was set up after the fires with the support of the Red Cross, to offer a ‘safe place’ for those affected.
Co-ordinator Hanny Schoen said the house was a small but significant place that was open to people in the community and surrounding areas.“People can drop in for a cuppa or participate in a variety of courses, activities and social events,” she said.
Emerald doctor and bushfire recovery expert, George Somers said there was considerable evidence that the resilience of a community could be maximised through the sharing of personal experiences.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato announced the money last month as part of a Local History Grants program.
She said the grants were assisting communities to record their history and protect and preserve historical items and documents.
Ms Schoen is now calling for help to name for the project. She said any ideas were welcome and anyone interested in finding out more could contact the house by calling 5968 9031.